JOINT RESOLUTION TO APPROVE AND PUBLISH AND SUBMIT TO THE ELECTORS A PROPOSITION OF AMENDMENT TO THE CONSTITUTION OF THE STATE -- REFERENDUM ON LINE ITEM VETO (This proposed amendment to the Constitution would provide the governor with a line item veto on the budget and other bills for the appropriation of money.)
If enacted, this amendment would replace the existing Article IX, Section 14 of the Rhode Island Constitution, thus altering the existing balance of power between the legislative and executive branches. Supporters believe that the line item veto will lead to more responsible budgeting by enabling the governor to eliminate unnecessary expenditures and prioritize essential services. This could also result in a more streamlined budgetary process, potentially reducing wasteful spending and reflecting a more targeted approach to financial management within the state.
Bill S2445 proposes a significant amendment to the Constitution of the State of Rhode Island, introducing a line item veto for the governor concerning budget appropriations. This change aims to enhance the governor's power by allowing them to selectively approve or disapprove individual items within budget bills, rather than being compelled to accept or reject entire pieces of legislation. This potential shift is intended to provide the executive branch with more flexible financial management capabilities, especially during budgetary constraints or when specific funding allocations require reconsideration.
Conversely, opponents of the amendment argue that empowering the governor with a line item veto could undermine the legislative authority of the General Assembly. They express concerns that this change may lead to an imbalance in governance, where the executive may manipulate budgetary priorities to align with partisan interests, sidelining the legislative process. The debate surrounding this proposal emphasizes the delicate interplay of power dynamics in government and raises questions about accountability and transparency in budgetary decisions.